BREAKING: 7 first-year eligible players are among the list of 26 Modern-Era Player Semifinalists for the Class of 2022.
More on the semifinalists: https://t.co/C4z4QkeAF5#PFHOF22 pic.twitter.com/E9SnNGRGeX
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 24, 2021
Is the fifth time the charm for former Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler and the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
The Hall of Fame announced 26 modern era semifinalists for the class of 2022 on Wednesday, and Butler was once again a semifinalist. He’s been a semifinalist every year since 2018 and a finalist each of the last two years.
Butler, who finished his career with 38 interceptions and 20.5 sacks, is one of 17 returning semifinalists from last year’s class. He is the only remaining member of the 1990’s All-Decade Team not in the Hall of Fame.
Before final voting takes place, the 26 semifinalists will be narrowed down to 15 finalists. Last year, finalists were announced in January.
Butler and Darren Woodson are the only safeties in the semifinalist class. There are four defensive backs in the class overall.
Only five players have been semifinalists in more years than Butler: Woodson (6), Hines Ward (6), Steve Tasker (9), Torry Holt (8) and Tony Boselli (7).
Here’s the Hall of Fame’s profile on Butler:
One of the most prolific defensive backs in the Packers’ storied history and among premier safeties of his era … Led the team in interceptions five times … Key member of defense that guided team’s resurgence that included seven playoff appearances in nine-season span … Helped lead Packers to three straight division titles (1995-97) and two Super Bowl appearances … Started at strong safety in three consecutive NFC Championship Games and Super Bowls XXXI and XXXII … Had seven tackles and one sack in Packers’ 35-21 victory over New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI … Intercepted a pass in every season but his last … Career stats: 38 interceptions for 533 yards … Only pick-six came on 90-yard return versus San Diego Chargers, Sept. 15, 1996 … Registered 20.5 career sacks and one fumble recovery for a TD … Selected to four Pro Bowls … All-Pro four times (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.